The Justin Fields saga is only just beginning. Fields, a native of Atlanta, has been connected to the Falcons since he was coming out of Ohio State. His hometown team passed on him in the draft when they selected Kyle Pitts 4th overall, but Terry Fontenot will likely have a chance to double back if he pleases.
Despite conflicting reports from various outlets, most expect the Bears to take Caleb Williams with the #1 overall pick and trade Justin Fields, which could happen in the coming weeks, according to Bears general manager Ryan Poles, who said he would “do right by” Fields and trade him ahead of NFL free agency if the organization is sure they will be taking a quarterback in the draft.
Betting outlets see the Falcons as the favorite to land Fields, and now NBC Sports Chicago is reporting the Falcons have already engaged the Bears about a potential trade for their quarterback.
“A league source told NBC Sports Chicago that the Falcons have checked in with the Bears about Fields. It’s unclear how far those conversations went but there’s reason to expect them to pick back up this week in Indianapolis,” Josh Schrock writes.
This goes directly against what NFL insider Steve Wyche has said on several occasions regarding Atlanta’s search for a quarterback. Most recently, Wyche said on 92.9 The Game’s Dukes and Bell that he doesn’t believe Fields is at the top of the Falcons quarterback wish list.
“I was told the Falcons will be aggressive. The aggression will be going up and drafting their QB. I don’t think Justin Fields or Kirk Cousins are their first option.” @wyche89 to @putemupcdukes @MikeBellATL
— DukesandBell929 (@DukesandBell929) February 26, 2024
This comes after Wyche said last week that he wasn’t buying the Falcons interest in Fields and that he isn’t a fit in new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s offense.
“The Falcons, their new coordinator Zac Robinson is coming from LA. Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford, that scheme does not fit Justin Fields, right?” Wyche said.
Wyche is as plugged in as anyone when it comes to the Falcons. He believes their goal is to aggressively attempt to move up the board for one of the top quarterback prospects. I believe that as well. With the position the Falcons are in, they can afford to give up the necessary draft capital to move up for a franchise quarterback.
But it takes two to tango, and there’s a very real possibility that none of the top teams in the draft are interested in moving down. They all need quarterbacks as well, forcing the Falcons to pivot to plan B, which very well could be Justin Fields.
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Photographer: William Purnell/Icon Sportswire
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